Cluster Headache
Cluster headache is a rare but very severe type of headache that affects less than 1% of the population. It is six times more commonly found in men than women and usually begins in the late twenties or early thirties.
Attacks typically begin in the middle of the night and consist of a severe stabbing pain that usually lasts between 15 and 180 minutes affecting one side of the head. The side of the head on which the pain is felt can vary between attacks, but it almost never occurs on both sides at the same time. The pain is often described as a 'hot poker' penetrating one eye. Cluster headaches can occur several times a day. Attacks come in clusters that can last weeks or months. After each cluster, the attacks can disappear for months or even years.
A number of symptoms may also occur during an attack:
- eyes may become red and watery
- nasal congestion
- running from the nostril
- forehead and facial sweating
- constriction of the pupil
- drooping or swelling of the eyelid
The exact cause of cluster headache is unknown, although trigger factors include alcohol, tobacco, irregular sleeping patterns, stress and decreased blood oxygen levels.
One of the main differences between migraine and cluster headache is that the person with cluster headache becomes agitated during an attack and is unable to sit or lie down or find relief in sleeping.
Recently, the inhalation of oxygen has been widely used as a treatment for cluster headaches and has been found successful in a many cases.
© MAI 2010
